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System and method for generating documents from multiple image overlays

System and method for generating documents from multiple image overlays description/claims

The subject application is directed generally to generation of documents from multiple image files. The application is particularly advantageous in the generation of a composite document output via adjustment of relative image parameters in the multiple images files to facilitate construction of a composite output via layering of the multiple image files.

Often it is desirable to generate a document, such as advertisements, educational materials, graphic designs, signage, placards, or other documents having graphical elements. Such documents are often formed by electronic data images obtained from a plurality of sources. Images may be obtained via scanners, including scanners incorporated into photocopying devices or multifunction peripherals. Images are also suitably obtained from digital cameras, digital archives, CAD programs, word processing programs, graphic design programs, and the like.

Earlier efforts to assemble such documentation spanned from low technology, low quality to complex interaction with complex hardware and software systems. A low technology approach might include clipping of pictures, graphics or text, and positioning them on a platen of a photocopier. A high technology approach might require a user to obtain digitized document data and laboriously import them, then layout and position them on a computer terminal to form a combined output. Often times this approach requires access to complex hardware and software which is required to import, view, edit, position, or output such documents.

In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, there is provided a system and method for generating documents from multiple image files.

Further, in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, there is provided a system and method for generating a composite document output via adjustment of relative image parameters in the multiple image files to facilitate construction of a composite output via layering of the multiple image files.

Still further, in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, there is provided a layered document construction system. The system comprises means adapted for receiving a plurality of image data files wherein at least one of the image data files includes transparency data representative of a region having a transparency characteristic associated therewith and means adapted for receiving image property data representative of an image property corresponding to each of the image data files. The system also comprises means adapted for generating a composite image by superimposition of each of the image data files and means adapted for generating output of a generated composite image.

In one embodiment of the subject application, the transparency data includes color transparency data, which color transparency data is representative of at least one color in an associated region which is precluded from presentation.

In another embodiment of the subject application, the image property data includes data representative of a tint level associated with a corresponding image data file.

In yet another embodiment of the subject application, the system further comprises scanner means adapted for generating each of the plurality of image data files from a scan of an associated tangible, humanly cognizable document.

In a further embodiment of the subject application, the system further comprises means adapted for generating a tangible, humanly cognizable document corresponding to the generated composite image.

Still further, in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, there is provided a method for layered document construction in accordance with the system as set forth above.

Still other advantages, aspects and features of the subject application will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of the subject application, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes best suited to carry out the subject application. As it will be realized, the subject application is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the subject application. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The subject application is described with reference to certain figures, including:

FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of a layered document construction system according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating device hardware for use in the layered document construction system according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 3 is a functional diagram illustrating the device for use in the layered document construction system according to one embodiment of the subject application;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating controller hardware for use in the layered document construction system according to one embodiment of the subject application;

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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